Marching in the Light of Love: A Recap of Bishop Provenzano’s Farewell Eucharist & Celebration

Part 1: The Farewell Eucharist

The complete liturgy from inside the Cathedral of the Incarnation, including the processional, choral offerings, and the Bishop's homily. 

Part 2: The Celebration Program

The festive afternoon program held under the grand tent on the West Lawn, featuring musical tributes, corporate gifts, and family remarks.

Rather than a traditional sermon, Bishop Provenzano reflected on the monumental task of a bishop in today's church. Grounded in the text of John 21, he recalled his consecration in 2009 when he was asked three times: "Larry, do you love me?" and commanded to "Feed my sheep."

"For the last 17 years, I have endeavored to answer... a 'yes' that has at times stretched my abilities, often broken my confidence, and caused me to move deeper and deeper into prayer and study."

He expressed deep gratitude to his wife, Jeanne, and his family for their parallel sacrifices, praised his diocese staff as "second to none," and brought joyful laughter to the congregation by noting he will break a 160-year tradition: the first four bishops of Long Island died in office, but he still has three and a half months left! He closed with a stirring call to action for the entire diocese to say "yes" to truth-telling, integrity, and serving the vulnerable, reminding everyone that "together and apart, our commitment to saying yes to Jesus is full of grace and full of power."

The afternoon began with a musical prelude by the New York Taiko Aiko Kai Asian Drummers, who marched the Provenzano family into the tent before preforming for the larger community. Later in the program, the Praise Dancers of St. David’s, Cambria Heights, performed a dance to Cece Winans' "The Goodness of God." Finally, soloist Joslyn Thomas, accompanied by Quincy Dover on piano, performed a sentimental rendition of the Bishop's favorite hymn, "Be Thou My Vision."

Chelsy DeHart, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, was joined on stage by Canon Myra Garnes, Officer for Youth Ministries for the Episcopal Church and former Canon for Youth & Young Adult Ministries in the Diocese of Long Island, alongside youth from the diocese. Together, they surprised the Bishop with a customized farewell bowling ball and signed bowling pin, paying tribute to the annual "Bowling with the Bishops" event.

Representatives from the institutions shaped by the Bishop’s leadership presented corporate gifts and remarks. Speakers included leadership from the Cathedral of the Incarnation & Mercer School of Theology, Episcopal Real Estate of Long Island, the Center for Spiritual Imagination, Episcopal Ministries of Long Island, Camp DeWolfe, and Episcopal Health Services (EHS)

 The Rev. Dr. Adam J. Shoemaker, Bishop-elect of Long Island, offered a bridge into the next chapter of the diocese's history, while paying homage to the work of his predecessor. In a message delivered by his shepherd, the Rev. Diane DiBlasio, the Bishop-elect said, "I am very grateful for all you have done amid the very challenges you have faced. I look forward to working alongside you in the coming months, and only hope to build on your faithfulness and service of God's Church and the wider world."

The Bishop’s children, Kate, Mary and Chris, gave reflections on what it meant to share their father with the diocese for nearly two decades: "As children, making sense of who he was as bishop in relation to who he was as our father wasn't always clear. As we've grown older, we think often about something we've heard him say from the pulpit more times than we can count: 'Be the church.' Who he is here, he has lived at home—being the church." 

Bishop Provenzano took the stage one final time to express his gratitude to the gathered community. Addressing the crowd, he shared:

"My diocesan family, thank you. Thank you for your love and your support and your encouragement. Please keep on doing really good ministry. Be gentle and loving with each other, and encourage the continued witness to Jesus Christ that we have held together over these 17 years."